Each year, Missouri State University works with state leaders to advocate for investments that advance our public affairs mission and, more recently, the goals of “Igniting Opportunity,” our strategic plan. Our fiscal year 2027 priorities focus on sustainable operations of the university and expansions to several high demand programs in need of capital investment.

Operating budget priority: Required costs and inflation

Request: $2.2 million to help cover mandatory MOSERS retirement cost increases and inflationary pressures.

Missouri State is thankful for recent increased state support for MOSERS employer contribution rate increases, but the university’s required contribution rate continues to rise, with the minimum rate increasing to 32% in FY2027.

Capital priority: McDonald Hall and Arena renovation

Request: $23 million to renovate historic McDonald Hall and Arena into a modern hub for military education and broader academic use.

This project would relocate ROTC and military science into a dedicated space, strengthening Missouri’s only ROTC host program in southwest Missouri and supporting the pipeline to the School of Defense and Strategic Studies. It will also expand classroom capacity and address critical building needs, while preserving a landmark campus facility.

MoExcels priority: Mental health workforce

Request: $2.1 million in one-time MoExcels Program funding to expand psychology training and help address Missouri’s shortage of mental health professionals.

Missouri State offers the only doctoral psychology program in southwest Missouri and partners with regional health organizations to provide clinical training. MoExcels funding would repurpose the underutilized King Street Annex into modern classrooms, research labs and clinical spaces, expanding capacity and strengthening the mental health workforce pipeline statewide.

The budget landscape

In January, Gov. Mike Kehoe released his recommended FY2027 budget, and early indicators suggest limited capacity for new higher education spending. Even so, we’ll continue meeting with legislators to advance Missouri State’s priorities and make the case for sustained investment.

We appreciate Gov. Kehoe and the Missouri General Assembly for their ongoing support of our university, and we’ll keep advocating for the resources needed to support our students and the work happening every day at Missouri State.

Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear! 

Biff